Foxconn offers staff US$1,400 to leave after iPhone city violence

In this photo provided Nov 23, 2022, protesters face off against security personnel in white protective clothing at the factory compound operated by Foxconn Technology Group who runs the world’s biggest Apple iPhone factory in Zhengzhou in central China's Henan province. The 10,000 yuan incentive, which in general exceeds a month’s wages for Foxconn’s blue-collar staff, is likely to placate some employees who on Nov 23 staged a rare violent protest. — AP

Foxconn Technology Group has begun offering 10,000 yuan (US$1,400 or RM6,318) to any workers who choose to leave, an unusual decision intended to appease disgruntled new hires who played a central role in violent protests that rocked the world’s largest iPhone factory.

Apple Inc’s main global production partner said in an online notice the sum, to be paid out in two installments, will help smooth the journey home for employees. Many of the 200,000-plus workers at Foxconn’s main plant in Zhengzhou hail from elsewhere in the province or country. But the intent was also to usher out recent employees that the local government had helped recruit, many of whom fuelled tensions among the ranks, a Foxconn spokesperson said on Nov 24. The company will replace departing staff though it may take time, the spokesperson added.